Paediatrician at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Purpose 

• Providing outpatient and/or inpatient paediatric care to patients/beneficiaries according to adapted and updated medical knowledge, MSF protocols, values and universal hygiene standards to improve the new-born and child/beneficiaries’ health conditions.

Job Description

• Applying medical knowledge and skills to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of children, ensuring integrated new-born and paediatric care through Emergency, OPD, and IPD services in New-borns and cases of malnutrition. Prescribing the necessary treatment, respecting MSF protocols.
• Collaborating closely with the different department of the hospital (e.g. Maternity), Knowing and ensuring all updated MSF medical protocols and universal precautions are followed and implemented, reducing bio-hazard risks and improving infection control.
• As an expert in paediatrics, proposing strategy (modification on current new-born and paediatric care management) and implementing them after validation of Operation and Paediatric Advisor.
• Ensuring on-going new-born and paediatric training (formal and bedside) of the medical/paramedical multidisciplinary team in order to optimize the new-born and paediatric quality of care. Reviewing and discussing selected complicated cases or mistakes and giving technical input.
• Keeping patients and their families informed of the illness and the treatment to follow, checking that they have been understood. Ensuring professional autonomy and confidentiality are respected and a good attitude and proper bedside manner towards the patient and their care takers and the rest of the medical team.
• Following up the evolution of the hospitalized/IDP patients through daily visits, consultations and examinations, prescribing the necessary treatment following MSF protocols, deciding whether they can be discharged or transferred to other departments – in collaboration with other doctors- and informing their family about the patient’s evolution.
• Monitoring the proper functioning of the department, equipment or material and addresses the list of the missing item for new-born and paediatric activities. Providing inputs about general organization of the different paediatric wards, including the admission, transfer and discharge criteria + referral procedure from Maternity and post-delivery wards
• Checking and controlling the rational distribution of medicines and equipment under his/her responsibility and taking care the quality, disinfection and sterilization of the medical material. Assuring general compliance with standing hygiene standards.
• Participating in the introduction / improvement of the collection and analysis of epidemiological new-born and paediatric data, checking its validity and informing the line manager or project coordinator about any problems or complications of the patient’s illness and medical errors. Collecting Clinical cases for further trainings and list a series of comments to improve the current MSF protocols
• Managing the team under his/her direct responsibility according to MSF HR policies and procedures, supervising their performance, organizing and scheduling shifts and rotations, directly participating in emergencies and on calls if necessary.
• Designing and providing training to staff as required.
• Debriefing with coordination, headquarter (including Pediatric Advisor) and providing written report on main findings, activities, conclusions and further recommendations.

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities
Staff Training Supervision and transfer of skills:

• Lead ongoing training (formal and bedside) for medical and paramedical staff. Ensure that training is relevant to the latest medical trends, treatment techniques, and MSF protocols. Review complex cases, guide staff in technical aspects, and correct mistakes to enhance overall team competencies. Foster a collaborative learning environment.

Patient Follow-Up and Care Coordination:

• Conduct daily rounds to assess patient progress, including those admitted to the IPD. Regularly examine hospitalized patients, manage ongoing treatment, and collaborate with the medical team to determine if discharge or further treatment is necessary. Keep families informed of patient progress.

Department Oversight and Resource Management:

• Oversee the effective functioning of pediatric wards and neonatal areas, ensuring appropriate organization for patient admission, transfer, and discharge procedures. Provide regular feedback regarding the status of resources and equipment, including identifying missing or needed items to improve care delivery.

Quality Assurance and Infection Control:

• Ensure the rational distribution of medicines, equipment, and materials within the department. Adhere to hygiene, sterilization, and infection prevention standards. Conduct regular checks to maintain the highest standards of patient safety and care.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Identify the training needs of the pediatric medical team and design relevant training modules. Actively participate in team development through workshops, case reviews, and practical sessions aimed at improving overall healthcare standards.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Regularly brief Project/coordination teams and provide written reports on key activities, observations, challenges, and outcomes. Include insights and recommendations for further improving pediatric care within the organization.

Emergency Care Involvement:

• Actively participate in emergency responses, ensuring the efficient management of pediatric cases during critical situations, including trauma, epidemics, or natural disasters. Collaborate closely with the emergency medical teams to provide comprehensive, immediate care to affected children.

Quality Control and Protocol Review.

• Actively engage in the continuous review and updating of pediatric care protocols. Participate in reviewing clinical cases for training purposes and suggest updates based on recent medical evidence and MSF practices.

Requirements 
Educational Qualification: 

• Medical Doctor Diploma in a recognized university
• Paediatrics specialist qualification

Experience:

• 3 years of experience minimum as a Medical Doctor in a paediatric hospital
• Experience in other NGO’s and /or developing countries is desirable

Language:

• Essential English and Hausa languages are desirable

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel and internet).
• Updates his / her knowledge before each mission, according to the most updated MSF newborn and pediatric protocols

Competencies:

• People Management and Development
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Teamwork and Cooperation.